But

How we test

Each e-bike was taken on a test route by two riders. The 5km route in and around Wellington’s CBD included city traffic, fast flat roads, hills, kerbs, wooden bridges and a busy waterfront path shared with pedestrians.

We also put the e-bikes through a gruelling 20km route around Wellington’s Wadestown and Northland suburbs. The main challenge was climbing a 2km-long hill five times at a steady 20km/h (a kilometre of vertical ascent) and descending the same twisty narrow road between climbs. It also included a short, steep section of rough path with a narrow barrier negotiated at walking pace, an undulating 5km of suburban streets, and a steep descent requiring brakes to keep the e-bike to the 50km/h speed limit.

Our riding tests, along with a static assessment of the features and functions of each e-bike, were used to score the performance of the motor system and the bike. Overall score includes:

Motor - Interface

Motor - Speed assistance

Motor - Battery

Bike - Slow speed

Bike - Riding fast

Bike - Rough terrain

Features

Mudguards

Kickstand

Rear rack (l x w cm)

Rear wheel (Frame) lock

Yes

Gears

9 / Trigger

Suspension fork

yes

Suspension seatpost

no

Lights

yes

Brakes

Disc (hydraulic)

More Info

Notes

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Member reviews

"Good all rounder"

08 Sep 2018,
Diana G.

Product use: 1 - 3 months

Pros:

Very smooth acceleration and gear change. My bike purchased in 2018 is fitted with slightly knobbly tires for riding on gravel trails/roads. I have ridden this bike out to Baring Head lighthouse and along grassy stopbanks alongside the Hutt River . Providing the gear selected is low ratio and the pedal assist is in ‘Eco mode’ I can navigate most surfaces even in the rain. The range of the battery is at least 90kms on eco mode per charge .
Bike looks good as well, the battery is unobtrusive and set snuggly along the frame.

Cons:

I agree the 25kmph limit is a tad slow, it does allow my husband to outrun me on the flat on his conventional touring bike - payback for my thrashing him on the hills.
The mounting for a water bottle is on the frame above the battery which I find isn’t suitable for my female anatomy, not too concerned as I almost always put a pannier on the carrier and load it with water, clothing etc.